Cool off with Torch Down Roofing

Torch Down Roofing

Are you planning on having a new house? Or maybe thinking of having a vacation house where you can stay every time you wanted to go out of town? If you are, then you should plan the house thoroughly. Having a new house, the first thing that you should consider is its main purpose: to give you a shelter. If you are sure that the house you have in mind can provide you the shelter you need, consider the way you want the house to look like.

In doing this, consider your personality, and your family’s personality. Make sure that the house will complement those personalities so that you will be happy and comfortable with the house that you would build.

If you are planning on having a vacation house, make sure that the house will be very comfortable and that when you are inside the house, you will not remember any stress you are trying to escape from: the reason why you are on vacation.

So what are the basic parts of the house that you should consider? There is the floor, the walls, windows, and of course, the roof.

No matter how bountiful the food is on the table, how fabulous the clothes the whole family wears, if your heads are not properly shielded from the harsh rays of the sun and the drops of rain then everything will be for naught. That is why shelter is one of human’s basic needs; and along with our other needs, it becomes a symbol of stature.

Basically, the important thing that we should consider and put into our priority is the roof. This is where torch down roofing comes in. This type of roof is one thing that we should add in our options in choosing the roof for our house.

What is torch down roofing?

Before anything else, let us first define this roof that we will consider. Torch down roofing (TDR) is a type of roofing specifically designed for low-angled or flat roofs. It got its name from its method of installation, torching down the roof. Specifically, bitumen, a black mixture used for roofing and also road surfacing, is torched on the roof giving it a more clean and impermeable look. It is also sometimes referred to as rubberized asphalt and is the most common type of roofing to be used on flat roofs.

Just by simply knowing about the materials that consist this type of roof, we can conclude that we are going to have a very durable roof and that we are safe under this one.

Why choose Torch Down Roofing?

Since flat roofs have the tendency to collect rainwater, roofs applied with TDR will be protected from leaks and other forms of liquid that may damage the roof, no drips, no worries. It also makes the roof fire resistant and protected from ultraviolet rays due to the layers upon layers laid on top. In line with this, asphalt produces no fumes when battled against the raging heat of the sun, unlike its alternative tar does. Though it may be costly, it has a life span of 15-20 years offering a long term solution to that may pose as a problem on the top of your head.

Considerations – torch down roofing

What are the things you should take note of for torch down roofs? Since you are dealing with fire, the only threat it poses is being a fire hazard. When being installed, misplacement of the torch can ultimately lead to fire so it is best to remove unnecessary materials (especially those that can easily catch fire and are flammable). It is also best to be wary of where the flame spews when using the fire torch. To avoid such tragedies, it will be best to always practice safety measures such as bringing fire extinguishers while working to suppress any impending disasters that may happen.

A simple tutorial on installation

Remove old roofing, debris, or objects that will pose a hindrance when roofing starts (though this may vary from different building codes, so try to consult first.)

Make sure the metal flashing is properly fastened to the edges of the roof area.

Applying primer to the metal flashing will allow the roofing to stick to it more efficiently.

Properly lay the first sheet of fiberglass on the top of the roof area making sure it is level and flat.

Fasten the fiberglass sheet with a nail about every 5 inches or as deemed fit (using a nail gun may make it easier.)

Reel the first coating of modified bitumen over the fiberglass sheet.

Making sure the modified bitumen covers the whole roof area, cut the excess with a knife.

Unroll half of the modified bitumen so the half of the fiberglass sheet is exposed.

Using a flame torch, slowly fire the underside of the bitumen being careful that it heats up evenly.

While pressing with your boot, roll the modified bitumen back to the fiberglass sheet as it liquefies so that it sticks back

Repeat steps 8-10 for the other half of the bitumen.

Step on the modified bitumen once done being fired and applied to the fiberglass so that it sticks properly.

Repeat steps 5-12 twice so that three layers of fiberglass sheets and modified bitumen are protecting your roof.

Although it is possible to apply only one layer, it would be to your advantage to apply three since the durability of the roof increases with each layer. Remember that this roofing is typical for flat roofs, due to the fact that it collects water. Its advantages, some of which have already been given, give it an edge over other roofing options such as rubber roofing.

That being said, you must consider crowning your home with a torch down roofing, especially if all you want is a roof with a more aesthetic look. You will save money in the process but most importantly, you will learn more about roofs, the options available and how to maintain them.